Duckett & Stokes haul England back into third Test

'Very entertaining century' - best shots from Duckett's 113

Third Rothesay Test, Trent Bridge (day two of five)

New Zealand 438: Conway 157, Latham 151; Stokes 4-70

England 223-2: Duckett 113, Bethell 74*

Ben Duckett's scintillating century built on an inspirational spell from Ben Stokes to haul England back into the decisive third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

In a remarkable turnaround from the Black Caps reaching 317-0 on the opening day, England took all 10 wickets for 121 runs to dismiss the tourists for 438, then closed the second day on 223-2 - 215 behind.

Captain Stokes, back in the side after the nightclub controversy that led him to miss the second Test, was the catalyst with a typically tireless stint in the sweltering heat.

After England failed to take a wicket in the first 40 minutes, Stokes' eight overs yielded three wickets and a dropped catch.

Shoaib Bashir took two in an over and Jofra Archer one, as well as striking Blair Tickner with a blow that eventually ruled the seamer out of the match with concussion. Overall, from their overnight 361-4, New Zealand lost six wickets for 77 runs on Friday.

Given the conditions and the flat pitch it was a superb effort from England, who set about cutting the deficit despite the loss of Emilio Gay for a duck.

With the support of Jacob Bethell, Duckett ended a tough year on and off the field with his first Test hundred since last June.

New Zealand were almost powerless to prevent England's rapid progress, as the second-wicket pair added 179.

Duckett was eventually out for 113, leaving Bethell to move to an unbeaten 74 - his first half-century at home and in the first innings of a Test. Joe Root, at one of his most fruitful venues, is 21 not out.

England have endured a torrid eight months. If this series decider goes against them, it will rekindle scrutiny on those in managerial positions.

Given their poor run of results - two wins in nine - and faced with the task of dislodging the Kiwis on the road-like pitch and in extreme temperatures, England could have crumbled.

That they hung in this game - first with two wickets with the final two balls of day one, then by dominating the second day - is to their immense credit.

The home side are still a long way behind, so have plenty of work to do with the bat, but it could be argued England have the best chance of forcing a win simply because they have the earliest opportunity to take 20 wickets.

They have history on this ground and against these opponents, with this match plotting a similar course to England's memorable win in 2022, achieved despite New Zealand posting 553 in their first innings.

That was the Test that ignited England's Bazball philosophy. Another win here may ease the pressure on the leadership, at least temporarily.

Duckett chops on a delivery from Smith to go for 113

Duckett's travails have mirrored England's. Prior to this knock, he had gone 14 innings without a Test half-century. As he struggled for form in Australia, he was filmed, apparently drunk, by a member of the public in Noosa and the footage was posted online.

In a bid to get his international career back on track, the left-hander pulled out of the Indian Premier League to find red-ball form with Nottinghamshire. On his home ground, Duckett was able to enjoy the relief of a long-awaited seventh Test ton.

Duckett had twice driven through the covers for four when Gay gloved Will O'Rourke down the leg side.

A position of 8-1 was dangerous for England - and could have been worse, had Henry Nicholls not dropped a chance to remove Duckett for eight at third slip off Nathan Smith. But Duckett was reprieved and found an ally in Bethell.

New Zealand were already without Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips. Tickner bowled three overs before leaving the field to be replaced in the match by Zak Foulkes, while spinner Mitchell Santner gave no control. On a true pitch, small ground and with a lightning outfield, England could not be tamed.

Duckett was free-flowing through the off side and with all manner of sweep shots. Bethell played lovely drives. They scored at exactly six an over and Duckett's 88-ball century was his joint quickest. Only Zak Crawley has scored a faster ton as an England opener.

Duckett punched the air, yelled to the sky and saluted the England dressing room. After he dragged on off Smith, Bethell and Root calmly moved to stumps.

Stokes controversially dismisses Santner for 250th Test wicket

How England missed Stokes as a leader and cricketer at The Oval. The captain was their best seamer on day one in Nottingham and this situation - a game in the balance - was made for the talisman.

Nightwatchman O'Rourke frustrated England for his 19 and was put down by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in Stokes' first over. In Stokes' next, Daryl Mitchell was adjudged to have edged behind on review, though the batter thought he hit his pad.

Stokes enticed O'Rourke to miscue and then came a moment of controversy.

Santner ducked into a Stokes short ball and was given out, caught at gully. Santner was convinced the ball hit his armguard, but Stokes pointed to the strap of the batter's glove - in the Laws enough for him to be given out - and the third umpire agreed. It left Stokes with 4-70.

Stokes withdrew himself at lunch, employing Archer and the off-spin of Bashir. Bashir was slow to move for a chance at deep square leg off Tom Blundell, though made amends in his next over by holding Smith in his follow-through then having the reverse-sweeping Blundell leg before.

Archer's blow to Tickner was nasty, with the consequences revealed later, then last man Ben Sears was lbw. England took the last 10 wickets in 42.5 overs.

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